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Clarkson getting ready for World Cup

John Bryan Ulanday - The Philippine Star
Clarkson getting ready for World Cup
Jordan Clarkson
STAR / Joey Mendoza

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-American NBA star Jordan Clarkson can’t wait to don national colors anew when Gilas Pilipinas hosts the highly-anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Clarkson reiterated that goal once again in a press conference with local media yesterday, months after playing his first home game with Gilas for the fourth window of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

“I haven’t really talked much with anybody but I know that’s in the future plans,” said the Utah Jazz guard on suiting up for the Philippine national team in the prestigious 32-team basketball showpiece slated on Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

“I’m getting prepared for that as well with my family and my team. I’m excited for that. We know that’s on the horizon. We will start to prepare to get everything down logistic-wise to get over there and get ready to compete.”

Clarkson played for Gilas in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia before debuting in a FIBA-sanctioned game last August against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia along with Kai Sotto of the Adelaide 36ers in the Australia National Basketball League.

Owing to his caliber as the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Clarkson as expected stamped his class with 27 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a close Gilas’ 85-81 loss against Lebanon.

He then continued with 23 markers, six dimes and five boards as Gilas trounced Saudi Arabia, 84-46, at the Mall of Asia Arena for his first game in local soil.

But first things first for the 30-year-old Clarkson, who is out to lead the young but feisty Utah squad in the aftermath of the departure of franchise players Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

“I’m embracing it (leadership role) well. Coach Will Hardy has a lot of confidence in me, as well as the organization and my teammates. Me being a guy in the league for nine years now, it’s my time to share experiences and knowledge and put it together for this team,” he said.

JORDAN CLARKSON

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